The Best Motivation

Hello Monday Motivators!

Today I want to share with you something very special: a secret about where the best motivation really comes from. The thing is, you already know the secret. If you’re like many people, you just need a reminder from time to time. Here’s a story that might help:

A woman recently asked me, “Joan, how do you do it all?” She seemed amazed at how much energy I have, despite traveling, speaking extensively and working on any number of projects, like books, conference, etc. I knew right away she didn’t want to know how I did it. She wanted to know what motivated me to achieve so much.

Here’s the answer I gave – and it’s the secret I mention above: The best source of motivation is yourself. Not your supervisor, spouse, friends or other loved ones. Yourself.

It’s the excitement and amazement you feel for the life you lead, knowing that you are unique and have a limited time on Earth to leave your mark, your legacy. It’s the practice of being a “Star” and asking yourself, “Have I given 100% to this task, this project, this moment, this person?” It’s a commitment to living as fully as possible at all times … an appreciation for the gift of life. It’s that simple and that complex.

I recently came across an excellent illustration of this concept that I had saved. It was shared by Steve Jobs of Apple – during a speech he gave at Stanford University’s commencement years ago. Here’s the best part of what he said:

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Love what you do… You can do that, right?

If you aren’t feeling as satisfied and motivated as you’d like in work or life, pause to think about why – and then ask yourself, “How can I influence the situation so I love what I’m doing?” Some people jump to the conclusion that a new job, a new home or other major life change is necessary – when the truth is, the source of motivation is your attitude. A small change in the way you approach a situation, task or person – combined with a positive attitude – is often the antidote to many motivational challenges in life. Love your life! That is the secret – and no one else can do it for you. As I’ve always said, “Motivation is an inside job!”